Nursery or box store for grass seed (Merrifield: landscaping, vs)

[leavingwash]

I want to pick up some grass seed to work on a few bare areas in my yard. Are all seeds created equal? Would I get a "better quality" seed from a nursery vs a big box retailer?

Thanks!

[airjay75]

I don't have an answer to your specific question, but the consensus I have heard from lawn and landscaping people is that any attempt to seed in the spring is sure to fail because the seeds will not germinate until the soil reaches a certain temperature and then it will quickly become too hot for them to survive. Everyone seems to agree to wait until fall for any seeding. If you can't, then the advice I have heard is to use sod.

I really like Mike McGrath's Garden Plot articles on WTOP. Here is a recent one that addresses spring seeding:
Garden Plot: Tips for spring lawn care - WTOP.com

[1969351]

For the last several years I've been getting seed from Merrifield Garden center and or Southern States. Both have a blend for the mid Atlantic region that I have had good luck with.
What is nice about the selection at Southern States is that in addition to the typical bags of seed, they also have bins of open seed and you are able to get the exact amount you need.

[Ex bubba]

Originally Posted by airjay75

I don't have an answer to your specific question, but the consensus I have heard from lawn and landscaping people is that any attempt to seed in the spring is sure to fail because the seeds will not germinate until the soil reaches a certain temperature and then it will quickly become too hot for them to survive. Everyone seems to agree to wait until fall for any seeding. If you can't, then the advice I have heard is to use sod.

I really like Mike McGrath's Garden Plot articles on WTOP. Here is a recent one that addresses spring seeding:
Garden Plot: Tips for spring lawn care - WTOP.com

Correct unless you want to over water. Local nurseries will have more seed chives and probably better advice.